Singer Cassie Ventura took the stand this week and admitted under oath that she was romantically involved with producer and artist Ryan Leslie when she first began seeing Sean “Diddy” Combs. The testimony came as part of an ongoing legal proceeding involving Combs, with Ventura offering insight into the early stages of their relationship.
According to her testimony, Cassie was signed to Bad Boy Records in 2006 while still in a committed relationship with Leslie. At that time, she claimed her interactions with Combs were strictly professional. However, she later acknowledged that things changed after a trip to Miami in 2007. Ventura testified that her first sexual encounter with Combs happened during that visit, despite still being in a relationship with Leslie.
When pressed on the nature of that trip, Ventura confirmed she went to Miami under the pretense of a work-related event. She said a flyer was created to advertise a nightclub appearance, giving the illusion of a legitimate business trip to avoid suspicion from Leslie.
The Washington Post reports that Ventura described her actions during that time as “sneaky,” and even referenced the infidelity in a message she sent to Combs. “On the other hand you’re constantly weary of me… I’m sneaky. I never seem to make the right decisions to you. I’m a spoiled brat, I’m dramatic, disrespectful and for some reason, you just don’t trust me,” the message read.
While her testimony centers on her personal experiences and early relationship with Combs, this revelation adds another layer to the embattled music mogul’s unfolding legal battle.